Interview: 2023 Arkansas WR DeAndra Burns Jr. Covers College Camps and Razorbacks Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There’s nothing like a super slick slot receiver that can stretch the field vertically and horizontally. At El Dorado High School, the Wildcats’ coaches are developing that guy that will drive college defenses crazy for years to come in DeAndra Burns Jr. Burns (5-9, 155) earned first team All-State honors during the 2020 season after hauling in 56 passes for 755 yards with nine scores pushing his all-purpose yards to 1,058 as a return specialist. The breakout season for the Class of 2023 prospect has brought offers in from Arkansas and Pitt.
In an RNG update interview, Burns made a return visit to the RNG Clubhouse giving us insight on his college camp circuit and visit with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
*Click the link for the June 5 RNG interview with DeAndra Burns
Interview
DeAndra, with your offseason workouts as a receiver, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game?
My biggest improvements are getting off the jam and off the line; that is getting way better. Also, on running a go, I am getting on the numbers. That is getting better instead of losing ground and room so I can fade towards the sideline.
Every time you step on the practice field, what are at least three things you focus on fine-tuning as a receiver?
The first thing I focus on, this will be a good practice today. The second thing is, I work on my hands. You have to catch to score. Then my feet doing drills and my footwork drills like the ladders.
Your first answer was great. I love the positive attitude.
Thank you, sir.
You’re that track guy with crazy speed; what have you been doing to keep your speed up while pushing your athleticism forward?
My trainer gave me an idea to wear bands around my thighs; I do that going 100 and 200 yards, and I run with a weight vest.
Using bands 100 and 200 yards, that is impressive. I’d be out in about 20 yards. Back to you, which college camps have you been to this summer so far?
I went to the SMU showcase, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas, A&M, and I am going to Baylor on the 31st of next month.
How did the A&M camp go?
Man, that was the best camp. They had two sessions; I went to the first one as a receiver. During the one-on-ones, I was winning everything. Coaches were asking me where I am from and my class. During the second session, they needed DBs. To show them I am an athlete, I played DB and I was locking them up getting interceptions.
Very cool. And the Arkansas camp, how did that go?
That went wonderful. We did drills, I killed them. Then we did one-on-ones, I did great in that. There were some good people there, some good competition. Their receivers’ coach loved working with me.
If you will, tell me more about the one-on-one reps at the Arkansas camp.
When I go to camps, I am the first one in line. Doing the drills, I was the first one. Coach (Sam) Pittman (head coach) gave everyone two reps in each drill. During the one-on-ones, I got a lot of reps. Some of the balls were underthrown, but I don’t make any excuses. I was inside, I know I won six reps.
What were you able to showcase to the Arkansas coaches during the camp?
Their coaches, they know I am fast, kept telling me to beat them with speed. That’s what I was beating them with.
From all the camps, what was some of the feedback you received from college coaches?
It was all good feedback. They kept saying they will call me, watch my film, and watch me this year. They asked me to follow them on Twitter so they can watch my Hudl.
Nice. Have you visited any schools this month?
Yes, I visited Arkansas.
During the Arkansas visit, what all did you do?
That was fun. The first thing we did is see the practice and game locker rooms, and the stadium. They showed me where the football players eat, the rehab room, and the pool. They showed me a lot. We saw the team meeting room and the receivers’ meeting room too.
What impressed you about the facilities or with the visit overall at Arkansas?
(Receiver) Treylon Burks. I was asking about him the whole week. I met him and talked to him. That made my day.
Very cool. Did Treylon Burks have any words of wisdom for you?
He told me to keep working.
A few minutes ago, you mentioned the Baylor camp, do you have any other camps and/or visits coming up?
When I go to Baylor, I am going for a visit and a camp.
From our last interview, I know you have the offers from Arkansas and Pitt. Which programs are now showing interest?
FSU, Arkansas Baptist – they texted me yesterday, LA Tech, Washington, Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Yale.
DeAndra, I appreciate your time again today taking us inside your college camp circuit and visit with the Razorbacks. Good luck with the upcoming visit and camp at Baylor.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Burns family; DeAndra Burns